Greater Fall River Art Association celebrates 65 years of community with anniversary gala

Kristina Fontes, The Herald News
·2 min read

FALL RIVER — The Greater Fall River Art Association is celebrating 65 years and showing absolutely no signs that it’s even remotely considering retirement.

To commemorate 65 years of being “a place where art, history and community unite,” they are throwing an anniversary gala on Sept. 24 at the art association’s home at 80 Belmont St.

The event starts at 6:30 p.m., according to Greater Fall River Art Association President Dana Barnes.

There will be champagne and hors d'oeuvres for guests to enjoy.

“We also will have booklets about the history of the historic house,” said Barnes told The Herald News. “A brief presentation of the history of the association will be offered as well.”

The art association purchased their Belmont Street headquarters in 1963. The home was built in 1904 by A.H. Leeming, for Charles Cole.

The Greater Fall River Art Association on Belmont Street.
The Greater Fall River Art Association on Belmont Street.

Guests will also have a chance to bring some of the art home with them.

“Additionally, we will have an auction of some beautiful pieces of art donated by our members to bid on.  There will be a lovely basket of artistic gifts to take some chances on,” Barnes said.

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The Greater Fall River Art Association is also home to resident artists, who work and teach in a variety of media.

The second annual Art on the Porch show at the Greater Fall River Art Association, 80 Belmont St., in 2021.
The second annual Art on the Porch show at the Greater Fall River Art Association, 80 Belmont St., in 2021.

During the gala, they will have eight of their studios open for the evening.

“There will be commemorative pieces of art donated by some of our resident artists that will be given away as well,” said Barnes.

In addition, the art association will also have art for sale on the walls of the building.

Artist and Greater Fall River Art Association board member Mary Agnes Murphy walks up the main staircase at 80 Belmont St., where a collection of paintings hang created by local artists during the Great Depression as part of the Works Progress Administration.
Artist and Greater Fall River Art Association board member Mary Agnes Murphy walks up the main staircase at 80 Belmont St., where a collection of paintings hang created by local artists during the Great Depression as part of the Works Progress Administration.

Tickets to the gala are $35, or $65 per couple.

“This is such an exciting time for us!” Barnes said.

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The Greater Fall River Art Association’s gallery hours are Saturday from 5 to 8 p.m. and Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m. Weekdays are by appointment only.

Classes are offered there throughout the year, and the galleries hold monthly exhibits that are open to the public at no charge.

For more information about the gala, or the Greater Fall River Art Association, call 508-673-7212 or send an email to GFRAA.board@gmail.com or PresidentGFRAA@gmail.com.

Herald News/Taunton Daily Gazette copy editor and digital producer Kristina Fontes can be reached at kfontes@heraldnews.com. Support local journalism by purchasing a digital or print subscription to The Herald News and Taunton Daily Gazette today.

This article originally appeared on The Herald News: Greater Fall River Art Association 65th anniversary gala Sept. 24 2022